A performance fitting of the occasion, a performance which offers a timely reminder as to exactly what Boro are capable of.

That's why frustration has circled around the side in recent weeks. Not because fans don't accept that a promotion chasing side will suffer a blip but because the displays have been so far short of what this set of players can serve up.

Here, said Aitor Karanka, his players "were hungry again". Cardiff City were the main course and even having grabbed the lead at the Riverside, the Bluebirds found it tough going. The result had an inevitable feel to it even though Boro were made to wait.

That, in no small part, was down to a return of the tempo and intensity we'd seen in the run up to and during the Christmas period.

Boro fizzed the ball about confidently, they attacked at pace again and were direct, they forced the defenders into decisions and, in turn, mistakes.

It says a lot about this performance and a lot about those that come before it that Boro probably served up more chances in the first half here then they did in the entirety against Bristol City, Nottingham Forest and Blackburn.

On another night, Jordan Rhodes would have strutted off at half-time match ball in hand. Somehow, he strolled off at half time having failed to hit the net.

Matthew Connolly is one of the most consistent and reliable central defenders at this level. His record tells you all you need to know, having won promotion to the Premier League with four different sides, but his sliced cock-up of a clearance gifted Boro the leveller which allowed them to quickly grab the initiative once more after that thunderbolt from Fabio.

But an obvious option to the manager was to move de Laet into his natural position at right-back to accommodate the returning Friend.

Yet Emilio Nsue's display last night demonstrated exactly why Karanka's decision was the correct one. Boro's most improved player this season was absolutely outstanding.

Again, as he has done all season, Nsue paired defensive solidity with a willingness to join the attack. Like Adomah, he launched cross after cross from the right. He gifted Jordan Rhodes an opportunity he should have put away less than five minutes into the game.

Middlesbrough's Emilio Nsue against Cardiff

Equally, de Laet could have slotted in at centre-half but Karanka stuck with Dael Fry who, once again, delivered a performance way beyond his years.

The towering defender didn't put a foot wrong and suddenly looks an extremely useful player to have in the squad. There's no doubt, though, he'll develop into far more than a squad player in years to come.

Aitor Karanka had some big decisions to make at the back. He got them spot on.

Now Karanka has a decision to make at the other end of the pitch

David Nugent's goal against Blackburn Rovers was enough for the experienced striker to get the nod from the off against MK Dons.

Jordan Rhodes was the man on the scoresheet against the Dons and, as promised by Steve Evans, led the line against Leeds.

So will Nugent be rewarded for his goal against Cardiff City with a starting berth against Fulham on Saturday?

David Nugent scores v Cardiff

In truth, it was harder to miss as the substitute striker slotted home at the end of a free-flowing counter attack move to wrap up the points.

But it gives Aitor Karanka one of the team selection headaches that managers crave.

Rhodes, despite his missed chances, was excellent last night. Helped in no small part by the fact Gaston Ramirez was advanced, not leaving the striker at all isolated, Boro's big-money buy showed that he's a lot more than just a penalty box poacher.

He came short for the ball when he had to but with Ramizrez busy and industrious was allowed to linger on the shoulder of the last defender, alive to the prospect of an opportunity every time Boro attacked.

Middlesbrough's Jordan Rhodes

He was an outlet for Boro, a threat throughout. And on another day, his display would have been rewarded with goals.

The least it deserves is a place in the starting XI at Craven Cottage.

Have Boro found a cure for their ills when falling behind?

Jozsef Varga was playing at right-back, Danny Graham was leading the line and Nathaniel Chalobah was on the bench.

Even Jason Steele and Seb Hines were in the squad. Oh, and Yeovil, currently 22nd in League Two, were a Championship side at the time.

The last time Boro fell behind in a league game at the Riverside and turned the match on its head to pick up three points. Barnsley at home, back in April 2014.

Since then, it's the criticism and concern which has been levelled at Aitor Karanka's side more than any other.

That inability to come from behind, to adopt the approach to suit when things aren't going to plan.

Middlesbrough's Aitor Karanka

Yet recent weeks have offered promising signs. Not in terms of free-flowing attacking play when falling behind, perhaps, but in terms of spirit.

Boro went a goal down to Blackburn but rescued a point and managed the same against MK Dons, both when they far from their best.

Here, Boro completed the job and, having found themselves trailing once more, bounced back to pick up what could be a hugely important victory.

Results elsewhere highlighted just how vital it was that Boro stopped the rot. Anything less than a win would have meant top spot was no longer in Boro's hands.

That in itself shows just how relentless it is going to be at the top. You get the impression that from here on in mistakes will be punished.

The fact Boro appear to have found a cure to their ills when falling behind will only benefit their cause. That said, Aitor Karanka would much prefer it if his side didn't fall behind in the first place.